It’s been a while since I’ve written this kind of post, and I wasn’t sure where to start. I’m someone who tends to ramble, but there’s something that’s been on my mind lately, and I just had to share it.
We all have this instinct to avoid taking the blame when something goes wrong. It’s probably because as kids, we knew getting caught could mean trouble. No judgment here—we all have it, and in many ways, it can be good. We strive not to do the wrong things, driven partly by not wanting to get blamed (along with a lot of other reasons). But the reality is, we’re all human, and we make mistakes.
As we grow up, this tendency to avoid blame sticks with us, even though the consequences of not taking responsibility are much bigger for adults than for kids. Avoiding accountability as an adult can lead to far more serious issues than just scribbling on walls or breaking something at home.
None of us are perfect, so we’ve all made mistakes or done something wrong at some point. When we don’t acknowledge these mistakes, they get swept under the rug. Blaming someone or something else gives us temporary relief from guilt. But that’s just a short-term fix.
I totally get it—it’s easier to point fingers elsewhere. It’s the company’s fault we didn’t get that job, or the teacher’s bias that cost us top marks. Maybe Instagram’s algorithms are the reason your photos aren’t getting enough likes. It’s the teammate’s fault that the project was full of mistakes. Sometimes, it truly is someone else’s fault. But often, we don’t pause to consider how we might share some responsibility for the situations we’re in.
We prefer the short-term comfort of blaming others, which in the long run, just makes us feel powerless. Instead, taking a moment to think about what we could have done differently can help us change outcomes in the future.
Now, let me clarify—some things are definitely not your fault, and you can’t control everything. This isn’t about blaming yourself and feeling bad. It’s about reclaiming your power. If you’re unhappy with the government, act in the next elections. When you don’t get a job, don’t just blame the company. Ask for feedback and reflect on whether you would have been happy in that role. If Instagram engagement matters to you, analyze and adapt your content instead of playing the blame game.
The main idea here is when you approach things differently, you might see different results. While you can’t control everything in the world, you can influence your reactions and contributions. This starts with taking accountability for your actions.
Taking ownership allows you to look inward, understand where you can make changes, and strive for the outcomes you desire. It equips you to face situations like job interviews with a better understanding of what you’re bringing to the table and whether it’s the right fit for you.
I remember an interview at an investment bank where one interviewer was rude, almost insulting. In hindsight, I realized I wouldn’t want to work with someone like that. At the time, if they had offered me the job, I might have taken it, only to regret it later. The other interviewer was so exhausted he fell asleep mid-interview—a sign I also ignored. Not every opportunity is right for you, and it’s okay to step away from something that won’t make you happy.
Ultimately, taking accountability gives you more control, changes the narrative, and helps you make an impact. It means acknowledging mistakes and making changes to avoid repeating them. Embracing accountability makes you stronger and empowers you to make a positive difference not just in your life, but in the lives of those around you.
